Approved food premises
Microbiological and chemical hazards have frequently been reported in foods of animal origin. If you operate food premises that handles food of animal origin, e.g. meat, eggs, milk or fish, that is supplied on to another business, you may need to be approved by your local authority. If you only sell direct to the final consumer then you do not need to be approved, however you will need to register your business.
Approval will be required before starting the business and must be applied for well in advance of your proposed start date.
The approval process involves completing a detailed application form and providing certain detailed information including a plan of the premises, a flowchart of the manufacturing procedure, documents relating to the food safety management system.
Eligibility criteria
No provision in legislation.
Regulation summary
This approval is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 laying down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin.
A summary of the regulation relating to this licence can be found on the Eur-lex website (external link).
Application evaluation process
A Food Safety Officer will make contact to discuss the application, advise on any further information that is required, and whether procedures need improving or amending. They will also visit the premises.
Confirmation of approval will be given in writing. An approval number will be assigned which must be included on packaging/ paperwork associated with the product.
Conditional approval may be given if the premises meets all the requirements for infrastructure and equipment but does not meeting other requirements. A further visit to the premises will be made within 3 months and a further inspection carried out to determine whether full approval can be given. If not a final 3 month time limit of conditional approval can be granted.
If full approval can not be given, the approval can be refused. The reason for refusal will be given in writing and it will also confirm what activities you are not allowed to undertake.
Will tacit consent apply?
No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the us within a reasonable period, please contact us:
Tel: 01730 266551 email: ehealth@easthants.gov.uk
Apply online (external links)
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Failed application redress
Please contact us in the first instance:
Tel: 01730 01730 266551 email: ehealth@easthants.gov.uk
Licence holder redress
Please contact us in the first instance:
Tel: 01730 266551 email: ehealth@easthants.gov.uk
Consumer complaint
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery).
If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct (external link) will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre (external link).
Please contact the Local Authority:
Tel: 01730 266551 email: ehealth@easthants.gov.uk